This is how politics can affect your mental health

Election campaigns can be boring, exhausting and seemingly endless - no matter who it is you're voting for. And when the result isn't what you were hoping for, it can be hard not to be disheartened - something made even harder if you have a pre-existing mental health problem.

So what happens when someone suffering from anxiety, depression or another mental health problem doesn't get the result they wanted?

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Rebecca McCann, a therapist at clickfortherapy.com, told me that election results are popular topics between her and her clients.

"I have had conversations with clients about Brexit and the election," she said. "There has been anxiety as to what it actually means for them, what any change means to their day to day life."

McCann also points out that the NHS has "suffered greatly" - something that could get even worse depending on certain election results.

"Despite there being bigger focus than ever on mental health, the reality is that waiting lists for mental health support remain long, crisis care is not up to scratch and the quality of mental health services is hit and miss. The NHS has been much debated in this election and the consensus from my clients is that it raised their anxiety levels as it may well mean that access to mental healthcare becomes even more sparse."

"I see anxiety, anger and frustration at a system that is failing those in need of mental health support."

Brexit brings uncertainty

Brexit has been a particularly thorny topic, with many seeking support for their mental health problems reliant on EU grants to work - or worse still, reliant on being able to stay in the UK at all.

Zsofia, an Eastern European immigrant, told me that she was "more angry than depressed or anxious" immediately after the referendum. But her mental health started "noticeably suffering after the Article 50 amendment to protect EU immigrants rights to residency was rejected in parliament".

Now, Zsofia is experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, many triggered by new stories about the amendment. Other panic attacks were exacerbated by "a feeling of pointlessness about my degree and uncertainty about my prospects in the UK."

Maja, 27, agrees. "Each political event has affected me in different ways, but it's safe to say that things are becoming harder with each one. Trump's win wasn't even a shock anymore, just left me numb."

"I'm originally from Poland, although I've lived in the U.K. for nearly 10 years. The EU allowed me to start my life in a country I genuinely love, so Brexit felt incredibly personal.

"What's really difficult for people with mood disorders is uncertainty - we need things to be black or white, so with our future constantly being put at risk, recovery is even harder. I can see that polarity in my response to the events around us too - I'm either overwhelmed and anxious or I almost see it as an opportunity to say 'well everything's fucked anyway, why do I care about anything?' - you know, like a free pass to no longer worry about anything because the world is collapsing anyway."

A chance to hope?

It's not all bad, though - sometimes, when elections have results people with mental health problems perceive as positive, it can be a source of hope.

"Seeing Labour's gains this election made me feel like perhaps there is a chance for things to be better," Maja said.

"And I've also seen an incredible amount of passion, courage and support from likeminded people. If we can't rely on the state to protect us, we need to be there for each other and that's definitely something I try to keep in mind whenever I lose hope."

McCann suggests that those concerned about election results should "find out what the results actually mean for them, to step away from the media hype and seek an understanding as to how the results will actually affect them."

"I would encourage them to talk with friends and family about how they feel, and if they continue to feel anxious or depressed to seek professional help, either from their GP, or contacting a local counsellor."

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.